3Qs: Rev. Chris Traylor

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By Robbie Ward/NEMS Daily Journal

The Rev. Chris Traylor of Verona recently was selected as president of Tupelo and Lee County NAACP. A lifelong resident of Lee County, Traylor said he wants to continue the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s vision of ensuring that all individuals have equal rights without racial discrimination. He answered questions about the organization and the community with the Daily Journal’s Robbie Ward.

Q: What do you see as the role of the NAACP in Tupelo and Lee County?
A: First of all, the NAACP is a civil rights organization. I have to stand up for its mission but I have a new outlook on it. I want to start creating things where we can help our community from being violated so much. If we start getting into our community and let them know that we love them and care, we can stop a lot of hatred and crime.

Q: It seems like you have a desire to bring the community together. Why is that important?
A: Working together gets the job done. If we’re going to be a community of separation, we’ll never come to one common goal. The only way we can come together with problems we have is to get together, talk about problems and come up with solutions. I think a solution is coming together and letting everyone know we’re all God’s children.

Q: Tupelo and Lee County have a growing Hispanic population. Do you see a fit for them in the organization?
A: I see a fit for all of mankind, all nationalities. I would not be a leader that targets a specific race. I will be a leader for all mankind, Hispanic, white, black… That’s what I stand for.